FORTUNATE OBSERVER OF TIME

There seems to be a theme to this record that deals with different people living their lives in different ways.This one is more accessible than "Creatures" and they have added a new lead guitarist in Steve Uh. In the liner notes the band thanks HAPPY THE MAN, MIRIODOR, Mike Kenneally, MAN ON FIRE and LITTLE ATLAS. I can tell you that the music that these guys create makes me feel so good. Again there are so many instruments that are used on this recording including many special guests.

"Eternal Optimist" reminds me of KANSAS and that's even before the violin comes in. The vocal / guitar melody that is the backbone of this song sounds beautful. I can't help but sing the chorus as well. The violin comes in around 4 1/2 minutes in followed by piano. A great track that is quite catchy. "Fortunate Observer Of Time" is an instrumental with some great violin / guitar interplay. The drums join in followed by a bass / trombone melody (bet you don't read that very often), as drums keep a jazzy beat. "Reluctant Observer" is a little darker than the first two songs. Vocals come in after 2 minutes and the chorus is great. We get some marimba in this one and again the guitar and violin melodies are excellent throughout.

"No Regrets" has the focus square on the vocals although we get a 3 minute instrumental interlude that includes a trumpet solo followed by a violin solo. "Resign" is a short mournful track. "Your'e Still Sleeping" opens with piano and vocals. We're grooving 3 minutes in to a fantastic melody. Even congas are featured on this one and another trumpet solo. The vocals return before 8 minutes. "Abyss Of Dissension" features the former percussionist for Frank Zappa, Ed Mann playing vibes and marimba. This song gets sort of theatrical on us 4 1/2 minutes in followed by a terrific extended guitar solo around 7 minutes in. The vocal arrangements recall GENTLE GIANT after 9 minutes. Scorching guitar and theatrical vocals follow. "Release" is an instrumental with violin and some flute melodies for the first time on the album.

I am really impressed with this band and this record is a very entertaining listen.